Cristo Rey R&R - Jan 29-30, 2026

Cristo Rey

Theresa recovered and Brian relaxed

High Point: The Banana Bungalow deck overlooking the Macal River

Low Point: Theresa’s lingering discomfort

Miles Boat: 1.6

Miles By Foot: 8.5

Layover Weather: In the 70’s, sunny and occasionally (thankfully) overcast

Layover Lodging: The Lucky Dreamer Lodge’s Banana Bungalow

Touristic Events: Very few, with the exception of repeated dining at Carm’s Cafe

Wildlife: More birds than we can explain, howler monkeys, agouti

Layover narrative

Truth be told, we never had grand aspirations for San Ignacio. We knew it would be in the middle of our trip, and that we would probably feel like a break. Theresa’s stomach bug and a lovely riverside Bungalow cemented our excuse to take a few days off. Cristo Rey is on the outskirts of of San Ignacio and has all the hallmarks of a sleepy little town morphing into an expat and tourism “hidden gem”. There are a few blocks of local housing, a school, one consistently open restaurant, with some “lodges” open and more in progress. It was a very tranquil place to spend a few days. Between napping and painting, Theresa mended. We slipped in a long walk, a paddle up the Macal river, and many many meals at the exceptional Carm’s Restaurant and Bakery. Over the years while traveling we have found restaurants that we simply decided to have every meal at, because we would not see them again. While Cristo Rey doesn’t have much else to offer, this is one of those places. Open air seating, kind employees, great food, and excellent prices brought us back for five meals in four days. After two days of down time, we (the avowedly “not private transport” folks from the beginning of this trip) arranged yet another private ride for two to Belize City, and prepared to leave relaxed and excited for a little Belizean coast.